Cluck and Trowel Farm Visits Encompass Community at Friends Academy...

Sarah Cogswell of Cluck and Trowel Farm in Westport guided the Nature Expedition for our homeschool enrichment group this week!

The children have been making forts and tee-pees lately; experimenting with the construction of other natural mud-hut structures. Recently, they learned how to “start a fire” by rubbing two sticks together. They have identified Paper Birch trees and had some fun gently harvesting and writing on the delicate slivers of the trunk's material. A few weeks ago, they discovered a rabbit skeleton and identified it as such by it's Incisor teeth.

The group has also been learning about rope tying and resident Instructor Seth Garfield has shown them how to fortify their knots with sturdy sailor ties. Azalea G. continues to collect “Rollie-Pollie bugs” and everyone seems to be inquisitive about plant species in the garden.

Today, the group went out with Ms. Coggswell, of Cluck and Trowel farm in Westport. It offered them the opportunity to ask her some questions about the agricultural flora and fauna present on the FA Campus's 65 acres of pristine wilderness and trails.

They built some "fire starters" with nothing more than rope and twigs. Chloe G. discovered that the tool she made actually provided a correct launch, akin to a bow and arrow. We are glad to see the “Design and Redesign" Mindset (from their STEAM Mini-Maker space) at work! They surely are applying the skills in and out of the classroom!

It was a rainy day, but the Nature-fun never stops around here...

Our Nature Expeditions are for ages 6-14. We go outside to play and explore in all weather: Mondays and/or Wednesdays from 9:15am to 12:30pm. $40 per day, Siblings save $10. Current session runs through January.

We offer Drama, Music and STEAM Mini-Maker Space on Wednesday afternoons, $10 per class. Next session begins 11/15

We also offer free monthly events for whole families and workshops for curious adults!